Kaleidoscope Trust welcomes Vishal Desai as new Chair of the Board

Vishal brings 25 years of experience in financial services, across board and executive leadership roles. Alongside his professional career, he has been internationally recognised as an advocate for diversity and inclusion both in the workplace and the wider community. He spent a number of years as a volunteer and trustee at Switchboard, one of the UK’s largest and longest-established LGBTI+ helpline charities.

His experience spans governance, organisational leadership, and navigating complex, rapidly changing environments. It also reflects a longstanding commitment to equality and the LGBTI+ community, bringing together perspectives that are increasingly important to Kaleidoscope Trust’s work.

That work has become progressively urgent. Across the world, anti-LGBTI+ movements are becoming more coordinated, better resourced and more strategic, while the international environment in which LGBTI+ organisations operate continues to change.

For Vishal, this makes the role of organisations like Kaleidoscope Trust more important than ever.

“It’s inconceivable that, in 2026, not everyone can live free, safe and equal lives. Having an organisation like Kaleidoscope Trust working to make that a reality is more important now than ever. I’m delighted to be joining at such a critical time and to have the opportunity to contribute to the next chapter of the organisation. 

Kaleidoscope Trust’s work isn’t just about writing research papers. It isn’t just about advocacy. It isn’t just about trying to change policy for policy’s sake. It’s about making life-changing differences to the lives of thousands, if not millions, of LGBTI+ people across the world.” 

For Vishal, that ambition is also personal. Describing himself as a “child of the Commonwealth”, Vishal’s connection to the organisation’s international work is rooted in his own family history. His parents are from Kenya and his grandparents from India, giving him a personal understanding of the Commonwealth and its diverse communities.

As Chair, Vishal will work closely with CEO Alex Farrow, the Board and the wider Kaleidoscope Trust team.

“What drew me to Kaleidoscope Trust and its team was the level of ambition for the LGBTI+ movement and the global push for equality. It’s not only that they’re optimistic about the future – they have a plan. The calibre of their knowledge, understanding, and experience of the LGBTI+ movement is outstanding, and there is a real passion for the mission. I’m proud to play a part in what comes next.”

Vishal was appointed through an open, competitive process, with support from All Leaders. Beth Dowling-Jones, interim chair of the board, reflected:

“Vishal joins Kaleidoscope Trust at a pivotal moment, as the organisation builds on its new strategy, strengthens its international role, and supports organisations on the frontlines of our fight. As LGBTI+ rights face a significant rollback, a strong global movement is needed more than ever, and I know that Kaleidoscope Trust has an important role to play.

Vishal will bring a new perspective to Kaleidoscope Trust, and as I hand over the baton, I’m confident that the charity will go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”

With a strong Board, an experienced team and a clear ambition for the years ahead, his appointment marks the beginning of the next chapter for Kaleidoscope Trust, one focused on turning strategy into action and building a world that is free, safe and equal for LGBTI+ people.